Page 2 - October 2023 e-Magazine

President’s Message

From Doug Spence

October 2023
October 2023

Lake Buena Vista Rotarians,
Lake Buena Vista Rotarians,

My October message comes to you from Alaska. Meredith and I are
My October message comes to you from Alaska. Meredith and I are
aboard the Ovation of The Seas (cruising on RCL and not Disney
aboard the Ovation of The Seas (cruising on RCL and not Disney
this time) as we sail thru the Tracy Arm Fjord approaching two
this time) as we sail thru the Tracy Arm Fjord approaching two
glaciers. The weather is cold, but the sky is clear.
glaciers. The weather is cold, but the sky is clear.
October brings about World Polio Day on the 24th. One Day, One
October brings about World Polio Day on the 24th. One Day, One
Focus: End Polio. When Rotary first began helping eradicate polio in
Focus: End Polio. When Rotary first began helping eradicate polio in
1988, there were 350,000 cases.
1988, there were 350,000 cases.

Today, Rotarians have reduced polio cases by 99.9 percent, and just two countries continue
Today, Rotarians have reduced polio cases by 99.9 percent, and just two countries continue
to report cases: Afghanistan and Pakistan. Because of the efforts of Rotary and its partners,
to report cases: Afghanistan and Pakistan. Because of the efforts of Rotary and its partners,
nearly 19 million people who would otherwise be paralyzed are walking, and more than 1.5
nearly 19 million people who would otherwise be paralyzed are walking, and more than 1.5
million people are alive who would otherwise have died.
million people are alive who would otherwise have died.

These stunning statistics were one of the first things that struck me when I joined Rotary. Our
These stunning statistics were one of the first things that struck me when I joined Rotary. Our
Rotary club and our global Rotary family have the power to bring about real change and help
Rotary club and our global Rotary family have the power to bring about real change and help
people. This is why I’m a Rotarian and not just one person trying to do it on my own. It’s also
people. This is why I’m a Rotarian and not just one person trying to do it on my own. It’s also
a glaring parallel with the Rotary International President Gordon R. McInally’s theme, “Create
Hope in the World” a glaring parallel with the Rotary International President Gordon R. McInally’s theme, “Create
Hope in the World”

Speaking of Hope, let’s hope the Holiday Committee changes my mind on Little CiCi’s Pizza!
Speaking of Hope, let’s hope the Holiday Committee changes my mind on Little CiCi’s Pizza!
The Holidays are right around the corner after Halloween and it’s going to be epic! Pepperoni,
The Holidays are right around the corner after Halloween and it’s going to be epic! Pepperoni,
sausage or cheese! Stay Tuned for more information as our committee talks me out of Little
sausage or cheese! Stay Tuned for more information as our committee talks me out of Little
CiCi’s and into a more appropriate party venue for our amazing club!
CiCi’s and into a more appropriate party venue for our amazing club!

My family is very excited about Halloween this month. Our 7 grandkids are going to get all the
My family is very excited about Halloween this month. Our 7 grandkids are going to get all the
best candy and they’re going to share it with their favorite grandpa! Happy Halloween to all of
best candy and they’re going to share it with their favorite grandpa! Happy Halloween to all of
you. Certainly, there will be epic costuming from members like David and Jane Tran who
you. Certainly, there will be epic costuming from members like David and Jane Tran who
were first in line at the Magic Kingdom for the start of Halloween Party nights. I’ll try to shove
were first in line at the Magic Kingdom for the start of Halloween Party nights. I’ll try to shove
some of this cold weather into my carry-on and bring it home for Florida!
some of this cold weather into my carry-on and bring it home for Florida!

Now it’s time to say goodbye to all our family....
Now it’s time to say goodbye to all our family....
L B V - ROTARYYYY M O U S EEEEEEEE!
L B V - ROTARYYYY M O U S EEEEEEEE!

Doug

for
Grandpa
2 2